Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in a gripping low-scoring Group A clash at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, 20 June. Left-arm spinners Sanjida Akter Meghla (3-21) and Nahida Akter (3-18) shared six wickets between them to bowl Pakistan out for 100/8, completing a remarkable double fightback after Bangladesh had themselves been reduced to 48/4 inside 10 overs.

Bangladesh's Batting Rescue Act

Electing to bat first on what appeared a reasonable surface, Bangladesh were rocked early by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, who struck a double blow in her very first over — dismissing Dilara Akter (5) and Sharmin Akhter (0) off successive deliveries. Juairiya Ferdous (7) fell to Tasmia Rubab shortly after, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 23/3 at the end of the PowerPlay.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a 35-run partnership, but Mostary departed leg before wicket to Nashra Sundhu, and Sultana was caught by Saira Jabeen off Sadia Iqbal for 36 off 38 balls (5 fours). Bangladesh slipped to 48/4 in the 10th over, with the innings in serious danger of folding below a competitive total.

It was Shorna Akter who changed the complexion of the innings. The experienced batter blazed 39 not out off 22 balls (5 fours), including 14 runs off the penultimate over, to lift Bangladesh to a fighting 123/6 in 20 overs. Fatima Sana finished with figures of 2-18 for Pakistan.

Pakistan's Collapse Under Spin

Chasing 124, Pakistan began confidently. Gull Feroza made a brisk 23 off 18 balls and Muneeba Ali contributed 25 off 30 balls as the pair raced Pakistan to 41 for no loss. At the halfway mark, Pakistan stood at 58/1, well on course and with wickets in hand.

What followed was a spectacular collapse. With Nigar Sultana marshalling her attack shrewdly, Bangladesh's left-arm spin duo dismantled Pakistan's middle order. Pakistan lost six wickets for just 14 runs across a span of just over five overs, their innings unravelling completely. They ultimately limped to 100/8 at the close — 23 runs short of their target.

Bangladesh's Record Against Pakistan

The victory is Bangladesh's first win in two T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan in this edition, and extends their overall winning streak against Fatima Sana's side to four consecutive matches. The result moves Bangladesh to four points from two matches in Group A. Pakistan, by contrast, have now lost all three matches they have played in the tournament, leaving their campaign in serious jeopardy.

What This Result Means

Bangladesh's recovery from 48/4 to a match-winning total, followed by their disciplined bowling display, signals a maturing side capable of competing under pressure on the global stage. The spin-friendly conditions at the Hampshire Bowl suited their attack, but the real credit lies in Sultana's captaincy and Shorna's finishing ability. Pakistan, meanwhile, face an early exit unless results elsewhere go in their favour. Both sides' remaining fixtures in Group A will now carry heightened significance.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 123/6 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 39 not out, Nigar Sultana 36; Fatima Sana 2-18) beat Pakistan 100/8 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 25; Sanjida Akter Meghla 3-21, Nahida Akter 3-18) by 23 runs.